CarSpecsHQ

235/40R18 vs 255/40R18

255/40R18 is a safe swap for 235/40R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.48%.

18" rim
235/40R18 25.40" · 255/40R18 26.03" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/40R18255/40R18Difference
Overall diameter25.40"26.03"+0.63" (+2.48%)
Section width235 mm255 mm+20 mm
Sidewall3.70"4.02"+0.31"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference79.8"81.8"+2.0"
Revs per mile794775-19
Ride height——+0.31"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.5+1.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.5 mph

With 255/40R18 on a car calibrated for 235/40R18, the speedometer reads 58.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 2.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.7 mph
45 mph46.1 mph
60 mph61.5 mph
70 mph71.7 mph
80 mph82.0 mph

Other sizes close to 235/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 235/40R18 with 255/40R18?

255/40R18 is a safe swap for 235/40R18 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.48%.

What's the difference between 235/40R18 and 255/40R18?

255/40R18 is 0.63" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.31". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.5 mph.

Will 255/40R18 fit on 235/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.